The rings of Saturn are composed of chunks of ice that orbit the planet. The inn

Question

The rings of Saturn are composed of chunks of ice that orbit the planet. The inner radius of the rings is 73,000 km, and the outer radius is 170,000 km.

Part A

Find the period of an orbiting chunk of ice at the inner radius. Compare your numbers with Saturn's own rotation period of 10 hours and 39 minutes. The mass of Saturn is 5.7×1026kg.

Express your answer using two significant figures and include the appropriate units.

Tinner =

2.0×104 s

Part B

Find the period of a chunk at the outer radius.

Express your answer using two significant figures and include the appropriate units.

( I just need part B)

Explanation / Answer

period is given by:

T = 2*pi*sqrt (a^3/GM)

T = 2*3.14*sqrt ((170000*10^3)^3/(6.67*10^-11*5.7*10^26))

T = 71389.23 sec = 19.83 hr

Let me know if you have any doubts.

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